Description
Can result from trauma to the salivary gland. The parotid gland is most likely to form a fistula. Injury may be due to:
- Traumatic wound
- Abscess drainage
- Iatrogenic rupture
The continuous flow of saliva prevents healing.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- Discharge from fistula (must be differentiated from a draining sinus)
Treatment
Surgical ligation of the duct or complete removal of the gland.
References
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual